Skyrora, Viasat progess InRange space launch telemetry relay system

In partnership with Viasat and CGI, Skyrora – the Scottish space launch company – has completed a successful ground test of Viasat’s InRange, a space-based launch vehicle telemetry relay system.

InRange is designed to provide continuous transmission of telemetry data, from launch to payload deployment. This includes transmission of data beyond the horizon line without relying on ground stations. Basically, it will use geostationary satellites to enable the comms between the launch vehicle and the service provider during flight.

As well as reducing reliance on ground station communications, it potentially offers flexibility for launch locations.

The contract for the work was awarded by the European Space Agency (ESA) in October 2023. This involves the Boost! Commercial Space Transportation Services and Support Programme.

InRange

The collaboration will focus on Skyrora’s “Skylark L” 11.6m suborbital launch vehicle (right). And connectivity is over Viasat’s global ELERA L-band satellite communication networks. Additionally, the project involves CGI, the Canadian IT consultancy.

Testing latency, interference and other criteria, this CCN1 ground test fulfils the initial stage of the ESA contract. The companies will now proceed to CCN2, the second stage of the contract. This involves repeating the static test but integrating InRange with Skylark L.

Skyrora

“This successful test is a significant step for the global commercial space industry,” said Volodymyr Levykin, CEO and Founder of Skyrora. “The InRange telemetry system reduces the likelihood of challenges around recording and transmitting the readings of launch vehicles.”

“As well as saving launch companies millions of pounds, it will offer them more flexibility in launch location and improve their visibility of telemetry data throughout flight, from launch to payload deployment.”

Vertical launch

The company, which has its headquarters in Edinburgh, believes it is on track to become the first UK company to vertically launch satellites from within the UK.

It would launch from the SaxaVord Space Centre in the Shetland Islands (Lamba Ness, Unst).

Viasat

Gary Lay, Vice President of Viasat’s Strategic Programmes, added:

“We’re excited to share this successful test as another step towards bringing Viasat’s InRange capability to a growing launch industry.!

“Accurate vehicle telemetry is a critical part of any launch, and InRange is built to provide this valuable data in real time and with greater flexibility and reliability than before. We’re proud to be working with great partners to support the UK with its evolving launch capabilities and are looking forward to moving ahead to the next phase of the program.”